After leaving the role of Ferrari team principal amid controversy at the end of the difficult 2022 season, Mattia Binotto is preparing to return to Formula 1: the Italian engineer will take the reins of the project Audi with a view to 2026, replacing Andreas Seidl in the role of chief operating officer and technical director of Sauber Motorsport AG. Binotto will be operational from August 1st, just in time to complete certain procedures, such as the choice of the team's second driver or the acquisition of other technical personnel. Binotto may want to do "shopping" at Ferrari by knocking on his former men to strengthen Audi's technical organization chart.
The announcement of Mattia Binotto's return to Formula 1 represents a double novelty that has aroused great interest in the paddock: Binotto will in fact replace Andreas Seidl, ex McLaren placed in charge of the Audi F1 project since last year. Together with him, Oliver Hoffmann will also leave the team. A changing of the guard, made official by Audi through a press release, which marks an important turning point for the future of the German manufacturer, which is preparing for its debut in F1 in 2026.
The official press release from Audi
“As part of the complete acquisition of all shares of Sauber Holding AG and the related realignment of the control structure – we read in the official note – the management of the future Audi factory team is now renewed. On August 1, former F1 team boss Mattia Binotto will join the Audi F1 project and take over the leadership in Hinwil. This realignment ensures the autonomy and independence of the Audi F1 project. In this context, Audi is reorganizing the F1 business management team.”
“Our goal is to grow the entire Formula 1 project through clear management structures, defined responsibilities, reduced interfaces and efficient decision-making processes. To this end, the team must be able to act independently and quickly,” said Gernot Döllner, who will take up the role of Chairman of the Board of Management of Sauber Motorsport AG in future.
The appointment of Mattia Binotto represents a significant turning point for Audi, which has decided to entrust the leadership of the F1 project to the former Ferrari team principal. Binotto, who will officially take office on August 1, will be responsible for the team's operations and technical development, ensuring crucial operational independence for Audi F1. At the same time, Andreas Seidl and Oliver Hoffmann will leave their roles, marking a real revolution at the top of the team.
Audi's vision for the future
Gernot Döllner expressed great satisfaction with Binotto's arrival: “I am delighted to have been able to recruit Mattia Binotto for our ambitious Formula 1 project. With his extensive experience of over 25 years in Formula 1, he will undoubtedly be able to make a decisive contribution for Audi. Our goal is to bring the entire Formula 1 project up to speed with F1 through clear management structures, defined responsibilities, reduced interfaces and efficient decision-making processes. To this end, the team must be able to act independently and quickly."
An ambitious future for Audi F1
Audi, which acquired the Sauber group in 2023, aims to make its Formula 1 debut in 2026 with a completely revamped team. The arrival of Binotto, a figure of great experience and technical competence, is seen as a decisive step towards ensuring the team has a solid management structure and a clear technical direction.
Binotto, who spent over 25 years at Ferrari, leading the team to numerous successes, will now lead the Audi project, with the aim of bringing the team up to speed with the best teams on the grid. The Italian of Swiss origin, known for his ability to manage complex technical projects, will have the task of developing the power units and single-seaters that will debut in 2026. The driver issue will also be decided. In fact, at the moment Audi has only made Hulkenberg official as a driver. Who knows if Binotto's arrival could rekindle Sainz's curiosity.
